When you think of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the mouthwatering aroma of a bubbling casserole filling the house, beckoning everyone to the table. This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna offers that warm embrace of comfort food, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Each layer melts together, oozing with cheesy goodness, and when dinner calls, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of knowing this meal is both easy to prepare and delightfully hearty.
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
A comforting and easy-to-make casserole combining layers of ravioli, ground beef, and cheeses, perfect for cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, draining excess fat.
- Stir in the pasta sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread a layer of the beef mixture onto the bottom of a greased slow cooker.
- Layer half of the ravioli over the sauce followed by half of the remaining beef mixture and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining ravioli, beef sauce, and top with the remaining cheeses.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of ground beef or adding spinach and mushrooms. This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Cooking Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Let’s get cozy in the kitchen! Preparing this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is as simple as layering your ingredients and letting your slow cooker work its magic. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want good food without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a bit of chopping and stirring, you’ll be well on your way to a delightful family dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Step-by-Step Directions
- Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. You’ll want it nicely browned. Once brown, drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the pasta sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Next, in your greased slow cooker, spread a thin layer of the beef and sauce mixture on the bottom, just enough to coat it. Now, gently layer half of the frozen ravioli over this sauce.
- Top with half of the remaining beef sauce, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over everything. The layers are where the magic happens, so take your time here.
- Repeat the layers beginning with the remaining ravioli, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Finish with a generous layer of the remaining cheeses, and then cover your slow cooker.
- Now for the best part: set your slow cooker to low and let it do its thing for 4 to 5 hours. When it’s ready, the smells wafting through your kitchen will be nothing short of heavenly. You’ll know it’s done when everything is heated all the way through and the cheese is bubbling and golden. Serve hot, and savor that first bite!
Nutritional Snapshot
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is not just delicious, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber. It will keep you satisfied without that heavy feeling, making it a delightful dish for the whole family.
Moments Made for This Dish
Picture this: a chilly evening, laughter filling the air, and everyone gathered around a table, sharing stories from the day. This lasagna is wonderful for family dinners or even casual gatherings with friends. Pair it with a simple green salad, some warm garlic bread, and perhaps a glass of red wine. It’s a meal that brings warmth and connection, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy together.
Smart Storage Tricks
Any leftovers? Don’t worry! You can easily refrigerate any extra lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the lasagna in portions. Just ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or microwave. Enjoy that comfort food all over again!
Betty’s Secrets
- For extra flavor, try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or blend both for a richer taste.
- Add fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a lovely burst of flavor and nutrition.
- Experiment with different cheeses—think a sharp provolone or creamy fontina to elevate the taste!
Creative Twists
- During the fall, consider adding some roasted butternut squash to the layers for a sweet and nutty dimension.
- In the spring, swap out some of the ravioli for a fresh herb-filled variety, like spinach and ricotta.
- For a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes between the layers!
Your Questions Answered
How do I know when my Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is done? The cheese should be melted, and you should see bubbling all around the edges. If you have a food thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I substitute the ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can work wonderfully, or you could even go vegetarian with a mix of vegetables.
How do I make this lasagna gluten-free? Just choose gluten-free ravioli, and the rest of your ingredients can remain the same!
Can I cook this on high instead of low? Yes, you can shorten the cooking time to about 2 to 3 hours on high, but keep an eye to ensure it doesn’t overcook.